President Donald Trump will undertake one of the most solemn duties facing a commander in chief on Wednesday when he witnesses the dignified transfer ceremony for two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert.
This ceremony, set to take place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, is a tribute to U.S. service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Trump, known for expressing the profound weight of such duties, once described it as 'the toughest thing I have to do' as president.
The two guardsmen who lost their lives are Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. Their heroism has been honored by the Iowa National Guard.
A U.S. civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Michigan, was also killed in the attack that occurred during a coalition operation against the Islamic State in eastern Syria. Three additional members of the Iowa National Guard sustained injuries in the incident, but their identities have not been disclosed by the Pentagon.
During the ceremony at Dover, the remains of the soldiers are transported from military aircraft to awaiting vehicles, draped in the American flag, before being taken to the mortuary for preparations for their final honors.
Trump expressed deep condolences over the weekend and pledged that there would be retaliation against those responsible for the attack that claimed these lives. This incident follows a moment of improved relations between the U.S. and Syria, which had recently joined a U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.
In his first term, Trump also honored fallen service members at Dover following other tragic incidents, including visits to honor Navy SEALs and Army officers killed in combat operations in various regions.
